Artists by nature are not hard-wired to boost, promote, or sell their work. Buyers usually want to know more about the works that attract their attention and perhaps purchase. That more can be the backstory, the technique or inspiration, and it is often said that it is not the work that is sold but the story that is bought.

For some artists, that conversation is difficult. In my own artist practice, all of this is the case. If I could bring that story to life in conversation, there would be no need for me to make a drawing, photograph, artist book or ceramic sculpture. I came to value (and now miss dearly) art school critiques because I learned how to speak more confidently about the backstory, techniques and inspiration in my artist practice. Having said that, this blog feels somewhat like shameless self-promotion, but it could also be a year-end summary of where my work can be found, where this work can be purchased.

If you are in Texas, Ocean Shores, one of my Lumen Prints is among the 39 alternative process photographs on exhibition in unique: alternative processes at ASmith Galleryin Johnson City, Texas thru 14 January 2018. This exhibition affirms my interest in what constitutes a photograph and the experiments, historical and contemporary, which push the boundaries and yield unique results. It is also available for purchase.

My ceramics are currently for sale at the Gallery of BC Ceramics and the Port Moody Art Centre. Know that each of my works embodies thoughts about craft, the enjoyment of music bouncing off my studio walls while I work late into the night and artistic risk. The Gallery of BC Ceramics also sellsSeeking the Nuance (second edition), a collection of heritage glazes along with essays about the Vancouver ceramics community in the 70s. Check it outWinter Treasures
thru 22 December, Point Moody Art Centre, 2425 Johns Street, Port MoodyChristmas Dove Ornaments
thru 24 December, Gallery of BC Ceramics, 1359 Cartwright Street, Granville Island

Gifting is an art form in its own right, and in this season of gift giving, a gift of art is a double gift because it gifts the artist as well. More about my photography continues at http://www.sassamatt.com

Contemplating Water is a new gallery added to Sassamatt’s webpage. It features a series of photographs made on Chesterman Beach/Tofino, BC, focussing on water in its dynamic state.

Ever-moving water is ephemeral and transcendental. As it swirls, sputters, rises and falls, it returns to where it began. I look at water the way Alfred Steiglitz looks at clouds, contemplating how “to hold a moment, how to record something so completely, that all who see will relive an equivalent of what has been expressed.”